Rumors, lies and gossip have far-reaching consequences in Lillian Hellman's "The Children's Hour." Though written in the 1930s, much hasn't changed.

It follows an angry student who runs away from an all-girls boarding school; in order to avoid going back, she makes up a story about a lesbian affair between two of the faculty. When first produced, the piece was highly controversial for its mention of homosexuality. Today, however, it continues as a cautionary tale of untruth, injustice and loss of innocence.

Street Theatre Company brings it to the stage Friday throughSept. 22 with performances at 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 5 p.m. Sundays, featuring a cast of Terra Buschmann, Jaime Janiszewski, John Mauldin, Paige Glasser and Haley Covington as 13-year-old Mary Tilford.

As for Hellman, she later wrote numerous other works, including "The Little Foxes," "The Autumn Garden," "Watch on the Rhine" and "Toys in the Attic." "The Children's Hour" premiered on Broadway in 1934 to critical acclaim.

Tickets are $18; $16 for students and ages 60 and older. Street Theatre is at 1933 Elm Hill Pike, just off Briley Parkway. For more details, call 615-554-7414 or see www.streettheatrecompany.org.